As we move toward the close of the year, I wanted to share a brief update on the significant efforts and key initiatives that have defined the work of the Board and our staff over the past three months.
Protecting Our Programs and Community Health
A primary focus has been our strong advocacy to protect and sustain our vital youth soccer program. We have been actively coordinating with City Councillor Janice Lukes and other stakeholders to address the proposed changes to the Canada Soccer’s Grassroots Soccer model, which could seriously disrupt the community centre soccer structure we rely on. We are pushing for a unified city-level strategy that guarantees our programs remain viable and ensures that the voice of our community is clearly heard by the relevant provincial and city soccer associations.
Financial Health and Facility Upgrades
On the infrastructure and financial front, I am pleased to report that our financial accounts are in good standing as a result of recent prudent adjustments the Board made to address increased operating costs.
We are committed to continually enhancing our physical space for the benefit of all members. A key focus has been ensuring we secure funding for planned capital projects, for example the Tall Grass Prairie Expansion. We have been actively working with the City of Winnipeg to finalize the remaining details of the associated Land Dedication Reserve (LDR) grant to move this important ecological and beautification project forward. Looking ahead, we always assess the long-term needs of the building, including reviewing areas like lighting, HVAC, and facility security, to plan our next major investments effectively.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
Looking forward, our focus will naturally shift to the groundwork for future growth. We will continue advancing the conceptual planning for the Centre’s expansion, ensuring that any future facility better meets the needs of all residents for year-round activities and improved amenities.
In a strategic effort to enhance our programs city-wide, we are actively reaching out to other community centres in the area to strengthen relationships, share best practices, and help each other grow our recreational programs.
Finally, we are excited about getting our community together for fun programming. Be sure to check our social media for details on our upcoming fall and winter schedule, including the Winter Carnival event.
As always, we will prioritize initiatives that support and sustain our dedicated volunteer base, which is the bedrock of everything we accomplish here at Whyte Ridge. This year we’ve recorded almost 4000 volunteer hours across all our programs. Thank you for being part of our community’s journey!
Kirill Pirgalin
President of Whyte Ridge community centre